Progressivism

Progressivism and progressive reforms marked a significant change in American government between 1890 and 1920.
Transition from laissez-faire approach (minimal government intervention) to more active governmental involvement in economy and society.

Spectrum of opinions on government intervention and union rights in the 1890s.
- Radical groups like the IWW and figures like Eugene Debs pushed for a socialist overhaul of government.
- The federal government had previously intervened in union strikes (e.g., Pullman Strike), raising questions about the reality of laissez-faire policies.

Muckrakers: Journalists who exposed social issues, often criticized by Teddy Roosevelt.
- Ida Tarbell: Exposed unfair practices of John Rockefeller against her father's company.
- Lincoln Steffens: Highlighted substandard housing in immigrant communities during urbanization.
- David Phillips: Revealed Senate corruption connected to railroad bribery.
- Upton Sinclair: Authored "The Jungle," depicting the harsh realities of workers and notably exposing meatpacking practices leading to reforms such as the Meat Inspection Act.
- Jacob Riis: Illustrated the living conditions of poor immigrants compared to the middle class.

Example: Wisconsin under Governor Robert La Follette established more direct democracy mechanisms:
- Initiative: Allows voters to propose legislation directly.
- Referendum: Enables voters to decide on laws passed by legislatures.
- Recall: Permits removal of elected officials before term end if deemed unfit.

Emergence of professional fields based on scientific insight (psychology, sociology, economics) to improve governance.
Shift in philosophy regarding human nature from transcendental views to historicism, impacting public policy development.
Dark side: Misuse of science in eugenics, exemplified by Margaret Sanger, who advocated for controlling birth among "undesirable" populations while promoting reproductive rights.

Theodore Roosevelt:
- Initially critical of muckrakers, driven to enact reforms after reading "The Jungle."
- Proposed the "Three C's": consumer protection, corporate regulation, and environmental conservation.
- Passed significant legislation:
  - Pure Food and Drug Act: Ensured consumer information about products.
  - Hepburn Act: Regulated railroads.
  - Meat Inspection Act: Ensured safety and standards in meatpacking.
- Mediated favorably towards organized labor during strikes, marking federal support for unions (e.g., Anthracite Coal Strike).
William Howard Taft:
- Chosen by Roosevelt, known for aggressive trust-busting efforts, including against Northern Securities (a railroad monopoly).
- Taft's presidency faced controversies over tariff increases (Payne-Aldrich Bill) and dismissed conservationist Gifford Pinchot, leading to a split with Roosevelt.
Woodrow Wilson:
- Promoted the "New Freedom," contrasting with Roosevelt's views on monopolies.
- Worked to dismantle large corporations through legislation:
  - Clayton Antitrust Act: Strengthening antitrust laws to break monopolies.
  - Underwood Tariff Act: Aimed to reduce tariffs for fair competition.
  - 16th Amendment: Established a progressive income tax to address wealth centralization.
  - Federal Reserve Act: Created a central banking system to regulate financial institutions, reducing monopolistic control.

Progressivism was driven by reform and scientific inquiry, leading to substantial changes in government and economy.
Reinterpretation of the federal government as a tool against monopolistic control emerged.
The legacy of progressivism includes complicated issues, particularly related to eugenics and scientific racism.